I have a 1990 GMC K1500, and for the past week or so, I have had trouble getting my truck started in the AM. The temprature has been in the single digits and teens in the early morning, when I start it up.
Most of the time it was very slow turning over and starting initially. One day last week it didn't start, but was fine after getting a jump. Yesterday, it was dead when I tried to start it, but started immediately after being jumped.
This morning it started to turn over, but died, failed to start when I tried to jump it. Came home from work and it started up instantly. Went out 5 minuets later began to crank, but didn't start. What'g going on?
The lights and other electronic features work, and the lights are not dull, but regular strength. Any advice is helpful
2007-12-17 12:54:11 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
More likely than not the battery is frozen or on its way out. How old is the battery? Replace it with the highest cold cranking battery you can find for the truck. 850 or more should be good. It does not sound like the alternator because once it starts, it stays running. If it was the alternator going bad, it would wear down the battery while driving. If you need to, take the battery out of the truck, let it thaw, and charge it up overnight. Make sure it is thawed out before you charge it though.
2007-12-17 13:14:58 · answer #1 · answered by cat lady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like one of the most common problems around when cold weather arrives, dirty battery connections. Battery posts and connectors build up oxide which makes for a high resistance connection. The lights will work fine but a full starting load on it and the connections eat up too much current and there's little or nothing left for the starter. Remove the negative cable and then the positive cable. Using a wire brush and/or a knife blade, brush and/or scrape the posts and the inside of the connectors until they're shiny bright. If you check your local auto parts store they have a special brush that's made for this job. Replace and tighten the positive cable first then the negative cable. This is a good "get ready for winter" step every year.
2007-12-17 21:09:50 · answer #2 · answered by mustanger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best guess is that your battery does not have enough cca (cold cranking amps). In a cold climate where you are you should have a lot more than is suggested for your pickup. Some people also find that with a full size rig it helps to have a second battery tied into the system for those cold starts. It takes a lot more juice to start your motor than that of a Honda. Second guess is that your battery doesn't have enough life left to work when it's that cold.
2007-12-17 21:06:51 · answer #3 · answered by rstevie81 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If its the original battery, thats the problem, batteries are good only for 4 yrs or so. It sounds like the alternator is fine. I would definately start at the battery!!!
2007-12-17 21:02:09 · answer #4 · answered by tysdad62271 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most likely a weak battery or possibly just a loose connection.I'd suggest having the battery tested,then go from there.Good luck.
2007-12-17 21:03:23 · answer #5 · answered by festeringhump 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your battery. It probably doesn't have enough cold cranking amps. Take it to an auto parts store and have it tested. Good luck!
2007-12-17 21:24:58 · answer #6 · answered by Daniel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you get a jump and it starts fine that would tell me its the battery that's bad.If its really cold where you live you might consider using a synthetic oil .The synthetic oil will not thicken like conventional oils and will help your rig to start quicker and warm up faster.Good luck
2007-12-17 21:03:56 · answer #7 · answered by sasyone 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Battery I assume. Take it out and have it load tested, I believe you will find your problem. Once you have it running, take it somewhere and let them double check the entire charging system.
2007-12-17 21:01:57 · answer #8 · answered by Michael H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋